The firm says that the 4×4 market has always seen a significant drop in demand and therefore values at the end of the first quarter as customers seek to buy more exciting vehicles for the summer months, typically convertibles. In the past this has been most noticeable in the premium 4×4 sector, although the trend has also been seen in the much smaller lower range SUV sector.

However, Glass’s says that over the past few years with the development of new niche markets, there has been a change in the latter, specifically as a result of the introduction of the Nissan Qashqai and its variants, which has brought the appeal of the sector within the affordability of the mass markets.

Pontin added: ‘The affordability, flexibility and running cost implications of cars in these sectors of the market now mean that they can genuinely be used all year round without significant penalty. They are now far more acceptable as an everyday car with the top end of the market not hampered by exorbitant taxation and high fuel costs. The growth of the Lifestyle car sector has similarly reduced costs and brought these cars into the reach of the mass market that always aspired to own a Land Rover Discovery or BMW X5, and can now own something that is very similar.’

Interestingly, the convertible market seems to have also flattened out, according to Glass’s, which adds that its May Guide Editorial looked at how changes in technology have made almost every convertible an everyday car, ensuring ease of use and comfort in all but the very worst weather conditions.

The firm’s data demonstrates that this year there was only a minimal and very short-lived increase in values during the summer. Historically, the market would have expected to see values rise by up to 2% a month from April through until July before flattening in August, with declines following around September or October.

Pontin concluded: ‘Therefore, the trade as a whole must consider the possibility that we have seen the last of the major seasonality and value changes in both these market sectors. This naturally impacts on the remarketing of these cars, Auction Houses and Wholesale outlets have historically been instructed by vendors to hold stocks of these vehicles until the perceived top selling months. In future, this strategy may in fact cost the vendor money when compared to instant defleet and sale.’

The firm's comments come as the National Association of Motor Auctions reports that used values for premium SUVs and lifestyle 4x4s are rising in advance of the winter months.